Building Collapse in Indore Kills Two, Injures Over a Dozen
A three-storey residential building in Indore's Ranipura area collapsed following heavy rains, killing two people and injuring at least 12 others from a single family. Joint rescue teams, including the SDERF, worked for hours to pull survivors from the debris. Preliminary reports suggest the eight-year-old building may have had a weak foundation, which could have been compromised by water accumulation. An official investigation into the cause of the tragic collapse is now underway.
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji Win First National Film Awards; Mohanlal Honoured
At the 71st National Film Awards, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award for 'Jawan' and '12th Fail' respectively, while Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'. This marked the first National Award for both Khan and Mukerji. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s '12th Fail' was named Best Feature Film. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema's highest honour, for his five-decade career.
WhatsApp Launches Real-Time, On-Device Message Translation
Meta is rolling out a real-time translation feature for its WhatsApp messaging service, enabling users to instantly translate messages within chats. To use it, users can long-press a message and select "Translate." The feature, which will initially support a selection of languages on Android and iOS, is designed with privacy in mind, as all translations occur directly on the user's device rather than on Meta's servers. This ensures the content of the translated chats remains private.
Next-Generation GST Reforms Implemented, Slashing Rates on Essentials
The government has rolled out its next-generation GST reforms, consolidating most goods into two main slabs of 5% and 18%. This significant tax overhaul reduces or eliminates taxes on daily essentials like food and medicine, with many items previously taxed at 12% now in the 5% bracket. The government projects the reforms will boost household savings, simplify compliance for businesses, especially MSMEs, and encourage domestic manufacturing as part of a nationwide 'GST Savings Festival'.
Indian and US Foreign Ministers to Meet in New York Amid Trade Tensions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The talks are set against a backdrop of fresh trade tensions, following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Indian exports over its energy trade with Russia. Discussions are expected to cover the trade dispute, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security challenges, with both nations seeking to stabilize economic and strategic ties.
India to Develop 'Bodyguard Satellites' to Protect Space Assets
India is launching a new strategic initiative to develop 'bodyguard satellites' designed to identify and counter threats to its orbiting spacecraft. The plan was reportedly accelerated after a dangerously close approach by a neighboring country's satellite earlier this year highlighted vulnerabilities. The project aims to create a defensive shield in space, potentially using LiDAR technology to detect threats and allow time for evasive manoeuvres, marking a significant step in bolstering India's national security and space-based capabilities.
Two Senior Maoist Leaders with ₹80 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter
In a major blow to the Naxal insurgency, security forces killed two top CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members in an encounter in the Abujhmad forest along the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border. The slain leaders, Katta Ramachandra Reddy and Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, each carried a bounty of ₹40 lakh. They were reportedly masterminds behind numerous major attacks, including the 2010 Tadmetla ambush. Security forces recovered an AK-47, an INSAS rifle, and explosives from the site.
Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Discuss Trade, Defence in New York
Amid high-level UN sessions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York to discuss critical bilateral issues. The talks focused on trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals. This was their first in-person meeting since the US imposed new tariffs on India related to Russian oil purchases and introduced a steep H-1B visa fee, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue to navigate the complex relationship and advance mutual interests.
Trump and Musk Signal Reconciliation at Public Memorial
U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk were seen together at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, signaling a public reconciliation. This was their first notable public interaction since Musk's tense departure from a government advisory role, which was followed by sharp criticism of the administration. The friendly-appearing reunion between the two influential figures has sparked speculation about their renewed political and professional relationship after months of public estrangement.
Supreme Court Seeks Delhi Police Response on Bail Pleas in 2020 Riots Case
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding the bail petitions of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The petitioners, who have been incarcerated for over five years under the stringent UAPA law, challenged a Delhi High Court order that had denied them bail. The apex court has listed the matter for its next hearing on October 7, marking a key development in the high-profile case.
Mysuru Dasara Festivities Inaugurated by Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq
The renowned 11-day Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka's official 'state festival', commenced with an inauguration by International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq. The writer launched the festivities by showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills. The grand celebration, which showcases Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and royal traditions, is expected to draw large crowds and will culminate with the 'Vijayadashami' procession on October 2.
Afghan Teenager Survives Flight to Delhi Hidden in Plane's Landing Gear
A 13-year-old Afghan boy was discovered at Delhi's IGI Airport after making a perilous two-hour journey from Kabul hidden inside the landing gear compartment of a KAM Airlines aircraft. The boy, a native of Kunduz, told officials he stowed away out of "curiosity." After being apprehended by airline staff, he was questioned by security forces. Following a thorough inspection of the aircraft, the teenager was safely repatriated to Afghanistan on the same flight later that day.
UK, Canada, and Australia Formally Recognise Palestinian Statehood
In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised a Palestinian state. The coordinated announcements came ahead of the UN General Assembly and despite opposition from the United States and Israel. The move is intended to revive prospects for a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict. Other Western nations, including France, are expected to follow suit, signalling growing international pressure to resolve the crisis and address what some leaders called a historic injustice.
US President Threatens Afghanistan with "Bad Things" Over Bagram Air Base
US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Afghanistan, demanding the return of the Bagram Air Base and warning of unspecified severe consequences if the Taliban-controlled country does not comply. Trump stated he is actively "trying to get it back," citing its strategic proximity to China. The threat, made on his Truth Social platform, escalates rhetoric surrounding the former linchpin of the US war effort in Afghanistan, which was evacuated during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal.
Major GST Overhaul Takes Effect, Slashing Rates on Hundreds of Goods
A new two-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure came into effect today, resulting in price reductions for approximately 375 items, from kitchen staples to electronics. Under the reforms, most goods in the 12% slab will move to 5%, while 90% of items in the 28% slab will now be taxed at 18%. In a national address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed the rollout as a "GST savings festival," stating the changes will accelerate growth and increase the ease of doing business.